Emotional Moment: Craig Morgan’s Performance Brings Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson to Tears

“The Father, My Son, and The Holy Ghost” Becomes a Viral Symbol of Healing and Hope

In the summer of 2016, country music star Craig Morgan faced every parent’s worst nightmare. His beloved 19-year-old son, Jerry, tragically lost his life in a tubing accident on Kentucky Lake in Tennessee. The sudden loss shattered Craig’s world — but in the stillness of grief, something deeply spiritual happened.

One night, at 2:30 a.m., Craig was awakened by a melody forming in his mind — a chorus so vivid and emotional, it was as if it had been gifted to him in a dream. “I was singing the entire chorus in my head before I even fully woke up,” he told People. And with that, he began writing what would become one of the most powerful songs in country music history:
“The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost.”

From Personal Grief to a Shared Anthem of Healing

When Craig Morgan stepped onto the stage at the Grand Ole Opry in July 2019, he carried with him more than a song — he carried the weight of loss. “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost,” written in honor of his late son Jerry, was meant to be a one-time performance — a quiet act of closure.

Backstage, however, country music legend Ricky Skaggs saw something more in the moment.

“You can’t keep this to yourself,” he told Craig. “This song needs to be heard.”

Taking that encouragement to heart, Craig released the track on iTunes, unsure of what would follow. What came next was something no one could have predicted.

Blake Shelton Steps In — and Sparks a Movement

Deeply moved by the song’s honesty, Blake Shelton — a longtime friend and fellow country star — took to social media with a mission: to help Craig’s song reach the audience it deserved. He rallied his fans, radio stations, and peers, asking them to support the ballad — even if it meant overshadowing his own single at the time.

Tweet by tweet, the message spread. The song climbed to #1 on the iTunes Country chart — and then, even more remarkably, topped the overall iTunes chart across all genres.

“Congratulations @cmorganmusic. This one’s for Jerry,” Blake wrote in a touching tribute.
Craig’s reply was full of humility and gratitude:
“You are an amazing friend and an incredible supporter of country music. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

A Televised Tribute That Brought Tears to Millions

The song’s emotional journey continued on The Kelly Clarkson Show, where Craig joined Blake Shelton for a surprise live performance. As Craig sang the ballad once more, the room grew still. Kelly Clarkson, Blake, and guest Eva Mendes sat quietly, visibly moved, tears streaming as they listened to every word.

By the end of the song, they rose to their feet in heartfelt applause — a powerful reminder of music’s ability to reach into our lives and offer comfort where words often fail.